Veronique Regnier Denois
Medical Anthropologist
Title: Smoking and alcohol cessation programs in patients with head and neck cancer: a qualitative study in 5 tertiary referral hospitals and one comprehensive cancer center in Rhone-Alpes region, France
Biography
Biography: Veronique Regnier Denois
Abstract
A majority of head and neck cancers are associated with smoking and alcohol exposure. Smoking and alcohol cessation (ASC) is associated with improved quality of life, cancer therapy efficacy, decreased treatment-related and cardiovascular risks, and is expected to decrease the risk of second primary tumor. It is therefore a high priority in the plan of care. However, results of current ASC programs are disappointing and understanding the reasons of this is critical.
Material and Methods: We started a sociological and qualitative study in 6 academic centers including 3 university hospitals, one regional hospital and one comprehensive cancer center. Results: We first interviewed surgeons and care givers involved in ASC programs. Poor communication between stakeholders, absence of alignment of care goals between patients, surgeons and other caregivers, and low level of understanding by patients of the benefits of ASC were felt to represent frequent obstacles to successful outcome. Face-to-face interviews of 30 patients by a sociologist are pending to understand how the patients do react to the information given concerning their disease, what is their understanding of the risks of smoking and alcohol consumption and of the benefits associated with ASC, whether they feel supported by their caregivers, and what are the obstacles and incentives that may impact ASC in their view.
Conclusion: More work is needed to identify hurdles associated with successful ASC. We are funded by the International Head and Neck Prevention Act (IHNPACT), an integrated research program supported by the regional cancer network Cancéropôle Lyon Auvergne Rhône-Alpes.